HOW TO: WORK OUT WHICH FOOD IS BEST FOR YOUR DOGS?

How do you know which food is best for your working dogs? Reading the bag carefully can help you choose a working dog food that supplies the nourishment your dogs need. So what should you look out for?

1. Is protein above 24%? Protein and fat are arguably the two most important ingredients of dog food. Protein contains amino acids which help build muscle and aid muscle recovery. Hard working dogs generally need protein levels above 24% – anything below that is unlikely to meet their needs.

2. Does it contain at least 10% fat? Working dog food should contain at least 10% fat, which provides ‘fuel’ to keep a working dog’s energy stores topped up. Fat also provides the pathway for the essential fat-soluble vitamins to be absorbed by dogs for optimum health and wellbeing.

3. Are the ingredients good quality? Ingredient quality and bioavailability matter. Good bioavailability means nutrients can be more readily absorbed into the bloodstream, which reduces the amount of nutrients excreted as waste. Generally, dog food with a better nutritional profile will result in fewer, smaller and firmer stools.

4. Is meat the no. 1 ingredient? Meat is a great source of easily digestible protein and fat for dogs. When you compare dog food brands, check where meat is ranked in the ingredients list and then look at what types of meat are listed. Are individual meat sources, such as beef or chicken, specifically named or are they grouped together under the generic description of ‘meat’? Transparency of the protein sources is important when you’re choosing food for dogs with sensitivities.

5. What grains are in the food? Cereal grains provide a rich source of digestible carbohydrates that provide sustainable energy for growth and endurance. Rice is easily digested by dogs, therefore like meat, it has good nutrient bioavailability. Brown rice is one of the best sources of digestible carbohydrates – it contains rice bran oil, which is a natural source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It’s also rich in omega fatty acids, which support brain development, aid joint flexibility, help ease inflammation and are excellent for skin and coat conditioning.

6. Does it contain enough vitamins, minerals and electrolytes? Working dogs are elite endurance athletes, so they need superior nutrition. Balanced working dog food should contain sufficient levels of vitamins, minerals and electrolytes to meet their needs. In particular, working dogs need a rich source of vitamins A and E, zinc and selenium to support the formation of cells and the maintenance of the body systems. B-group vitamins promote metabolic function and energy production, while electrolytes stimulate muscles and nerves, which can help reduce fatigue.

7. Does it contain other useful supplements and antioxidants? Working dogs also benefit from the inclusion of supplements, such as beta-carotene (which is vital for retina and optical nerve health), glucosamine (which assists in rebuilding cartilage and has an anti-inflammatory effect) and DHAgold® (which is beneficial for eye, brain and heart health).

And finally, does the food contain a rich source of antioxidants? Antioxidants may assist injury healing, can aid muscle recovery and may boost immunity – and therefore play a vital role in keeping your dog fit and healthy.

Keep them working at their peak for longer.

The CopRice Working Dog range of specially developed working dog foods provide everything your dogs need across their life stages to maintain peak strength, stamina and alertness over a full working day.

High in protein and fat, CopRice Working Dog foods also contain highly digestible carbohydrate sources including 100% Australian brown rice.

And because they’re nutritionally dense, they deliver better value for money too.

CopRice – nutrition that stacks up for them and works for you.